Manufacturer: Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Salt Composition : Lithium carbonate(450mg)
Strip of 10 Tablet Cr
(Inclusive of all taxes)
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR should be taken with food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should continue to take this medicine for as long as the doctor advises and do not stop taking it suddenly as it may result in harmful effects.
This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduce extremes in behavior by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Lithium carbonate is not metabolized before excretion Label. Lithium is primarily eliminated through the kidneys and elimination in the feces is insignificant Label. The half life of lithium carbonate is 18 to 36 hours Label. Other sources say it may be 7 to 20 hours 7.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Alkalith
Tremors
Slurred speech
Uncoordinated body movements
Nausea
Acne
Increased white blood cell count
Memory impairment
Hair loss
Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Skin rash
Increased thirst
Weight gain
Polyuria
Diarrhea
a bad infection.
a condition with low thyroid hormone levels.
diabetes insipidus.
high amount of calcium in the blood.
low amount of sodium in the blood.
very serious loss of body water.
serotonin syndrome, a type of disorder with high serotonin levels.
organic mental disorder.
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR.
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Lithium carbonate is indicated as a monotherapy for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age. It is also indicated as a maintenance treatment for bipolar 1 disorder in patients ≥7 years of age.
dementia.
cardiac disease.
dehydration.
diarrhea/hyperhidrosis.
hypothyroidism.
renal dysfunction.
sodium depletion.
previous neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Do not chew, crush or break it. Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is to be taken with food.
Store below 30°C
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is one of the most effective long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
It may also be used for the treatment of mania.
Your lithium blood levels, thyroid function, and kidney function may be monitored as long as you take this medicine.
It may cause diarrhea and dehydration. Drink plenty of water and and use normal amounts of salt. Inform your doctor if you start or stop a low-salt diet.
Monitor your weight during treatment as Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR can cause weight gain.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Inform your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset, problems with your speech, or extreme drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Do not take Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is to be taken with food.
Q. How quickly does Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR work?
It takes some time before you see improvement in your symptoms after taking Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR. Though it varies from person to person, it may take 1-3 weeks or longer for you to see the full benefits of Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR. Do not stop taking Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR if you feel you are not improving. Instead, discuss it with your doctor.
Q. Does Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR make you sleepy?
Yes, Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR can cause nervous system disorders like sleepiness and dizziness and feeling confused. It can also cause rapid eye movements, blurred vision, or blind spots in your eyesight. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. In addition, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as it can be hazardous for you.
Q. Is Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR bad for kidneys?
Yes, Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR may cause kidney problems. Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR is not prescribed in patients who already have severe kidney impairment. The kidney problems may not be reversible and the symptoms include swollen ankles, passing a lot of urine and feeling thirsty. Before starting treatment with Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR, your doctor will get blood tests done to see if your kidney function is normal. During Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR therapy, any gradual or sudden changes in renal function, even within the normal range, may indicate the need for re-evaluation of treatment.
Q. Can Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR cause gain in weight?
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR can cause both weight gain or weight loss. You should keep a check on your weight during Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR therapy. If you feel you are gaining or losing too much weight, consult your doctor who will assess whether the change in weight is due to Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR or some other reason.
Q. What is the most important information I should know about Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR?
Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR therapy should only be started if adequate facilities for assessing Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR levels are available. This is because Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR toxicity is related to increased levels of Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR in blood. Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR toxicity can even occur at dose which is effective for treatment. Therefore, your doctor may closely monitor your Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR levels weekly until stabilization is achieved, then weekly for one month and then at monthly intervals thereafter.
Q. How should Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR be taken?
Take Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. It is meant for oral administration and can be taken with or without food. However, if you start following a certain type of diet, talk to your doctor first. Any drastic changes in the amount of water you drink or amount of sodium (salt) in your diet may require more frequent monitoring of Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR levels.
Q. Which medicines decrease Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR levels?
You should inform your doctor about the medicines you are taking before starting Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR since many medicines interfere with the working of Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR. Some medicines decrease the levels of Alkalith 450mg Tablet CR in blood which means that it will not work well. These include theophylline (for asthma), caffeine, anything containing sodium bicarbonate, or a special group of diuretics (water tablets) called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and urea used to treat skin conditions.
